2012 Media Releases

Public Encouraged to Take Energy Survey

Lincoln's first Community Conversation on energy set for August 18

Lincoln residents are encouraged to take an online survey on sustainable energy available on the City website, lincoln.ne.gov. The survey is part of Mayor Chris Beutler's Cleaner Greener Lincoln initiative. Those who take the survey will have an opportunity to sign up for a Community Conversation from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, August 18 at the County-City Building, 555 S. 10th Street.

The City partnered with the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center (ppc.unl.edu) to create the survey, which simulates the decisions local policy-makers face when it comes to energy programs. The Lincoln Electrical System (LES) also provided input to the survey. The survey takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and participants are asked to rank policy priorities, the importance of current sustainability programs, the current goals of energy programs, and funding resources.

About 1,400 residents responded to a similar survey and discussion on the City budget earlier this year. Those attending the Community Conversation on energy sustainability will discuss the issues with energy experts and City department directors and managers. Milo Mumgaard, Senior Policy Aide for Sustainability in the Mayor's Office, said information gathered from the survey and discussion will help inform policy and program decisions in the future.

"It's important for residents to understand the issues the City faces when making energy program decisions, especially with funding for some programs ending in 2013," Mumgaard said. "Cleaner Greener Lincoln and the LES Sustainable Energy Program are two of the local efforts that have focused on energy and sustainability. We look forward to hearing residents' ideas as we make decisions for future energy and sustainability programs in Lincoln."

More information on Cleaner Greener Lincoln is available at green.lincoln.ne.gov. More information on the LES Sustainable Energy Program is available at les.com.